Enthusiasm and hesitation: a structural topic modelling analysis of long-acting injectable PrEP perceptions among Dutch-speaking MSM

Background Long-acting injectable PrEP (LA-PrEP) is a novel HIV prevention modality recently approved in Europe, offering an important addition to HIV prevention options. Understanding user perceptions early is critical for anticipating uptake, addressing barriers, and shaping implementation. This study aimed to identify the latent qualitative themes surrounding LA-PrEP among Dutch-speaking men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in the Netherlands and Belgium, and to assess how these perceptions associate with their intention to use LA-PrEP.Methods We utilised data from the cross-sectional PROTECT survey (October 2023–April 2024). Before questioning, participants were provided a standardised, objective explanation of LA-PrEP's efficacy, dosing schedule, and potential side effects to ensure a baseline understanding. MSM without HIV who completed the Dutch-language survey answered a single open-ended question: ‘What does LA-PrEP mean to you?’ Participants could provide multiple short terms or phrases. Responses were analysed directly in Dutch using Structural Topic Modelling (STM), an unsupervised machine learning approach, to estimate latent topics and their regression with LA-PrEP use intention.Results We analysed qualitative responses from 1,472 Dutch-speaking MSM without HIV. Overall expectations were highly positive. Six distinct conceptual topics were identified: empowerment (29% of the topic proportion), superiority (24%), concerns and uncertainties (13%), convenience and reliability (12%), peace of mind (12%), and ideal regimen (11%). While dominant themes emphasised freedom, safety, and reassurance, a notable subset expressed ambivalence. Topic regression revealed that responses strongly aligned with the concerns and uncertainties topic were significantly associated with a lower intention to use LA-PrEP (β = −0.021; 95%CI: −0.042 to −0.001).Conclusions LA-PrEP is widely perceived as a promising and convenient HIV prevention option among Dutch-speaking MSM, but concerns about safety and necessity remain for a subset of individuals. Addressing these concerns through targeted, evidence-based communication will be essential to support informed choice and maximise uptake.